Jamal Mitchell has been identified as the Minneapolis police Officer who was shot and killed in an ambush on Thursday.
Mitchell was one of three people killed, including the suspect, in the aftermath of a shooting at an apartment complex in the 2200 block of Blaisdell Avenue South, in the Whittier neighborhood.
Officer Jamal Mitchell was a 1-year veteran of the force who, together with a colleague, saved two people from a burning building on his third day on the job.
According to a news release from the city of Minneapolis, the incident began around 5:30 p.m. when officers responded to a shots fired call at an apartment complex in the 2200 block of Blaisdell Avenue South, in the Whittier neighborhood.
Upon arrival, officers were immediately met with gunfire.
About two blocks away from the original call’s area, Mitchell had been attempting to provide medical assistance to two men who had been injured when he was “ambushed,” Drew Evans with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said.
One of the original victims died on the scene and another suffered grave injuries.
Another person, believed to be an innocent bystander was also shot while officers were responding.
They are in critical condition while a firefighter also suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
“Today, the city of Minneapolis lost a hero. Officer Jamal Mitchell was a father, a son, a fiancé, and a beloved member of our Minneapolis Police Department,” Mayor Jacob Frey said in a statement.
“Today, he made the ultimate sacrifice to protect and save the lives of others. His life – and his service – will never be forgotten,”
“Our hearts go out to Officer Mitchell’s family and loved ones – and the families of all the victims of this senseless tragedy,” he added.
